The short answer is yes! Taking the SAT is an important step in completing and improving college applications no matter where a student is in their high school career. It is a test that creates a common evaluation standard for colleges to fairly judge applicants. While the SAT is important, you still need to make sure to review other aspects of the application process as well. Ultimately, the SAT is a type of entrance exam for colleges to gage a student’s ability to handle higher education. It is nothing to be scared of.
Where to Start with the SAT
To begin your college career, looking into the SAT is an excellent steppingstone. It is offered a total of seven times throughout the year. Students ordinarily take the SAT two or three times during their junior and early senior year. The SAT College Board offers a simple registration process that pinpoints the best locations to take the test near you. It is a long exam that usually involves sacrificing a few Saturday mornings.
Sections of the SAT
The SAT takes three hours to complete and consists of three tests: (1) the Reading Test, (2) the Writing and Language Test, and (3) the Math Test. The Reading and Writing tests are combined into one section. The two sections are scored between 200-800 points with the best possible score being 1600.
SAT Mathematics
This portion of the test is broken into two sub-sections. There is a 20-question, 25-minute section where a calculator is prohibited and another 38-question, 55-minute section that allows a calculator. You do not have to memorize the formulas. A formula sheet is provided at the test site.
SAT Reading and Writing/Language Test
This portion has two sub-sections as well. There is the 65-minute, 52-question reading and vocabulary section along with a 35-minute, 44-question grammar usage section.
SAT Essay
The essay is no longer a component of the SAT test.
The Next Steps
Since, it is a score-driven test, be sure to research what scores your top schools expect. It is common to find their range with a simple Google search or by researching universities. Exploring college websites for appropriate scores is an excellent way to discover what an effective college application possesses. Make sure to examine what other expectations each college requires to succeed academically. Yes, the SAT is important, but it is only a piece of the application puzzle, a puzzle we’d like to help with.
All Pro Tutoring offers comprehensive lesson programs with testing professionals. We offer individualized and small group setting lessons. Our strategic approach to test taking and the admissions process have helped many students succeed throughout the years. We can help with the next step. Inquire about a practice test and our in-depth tutoring programs.